Mark Ella

Australian Rugby Legend, Coach & Community Leader

Mark Ella is a celebrated great of Australian Rugby Union, renowned for his exceptional skills, leadership, and contributions to the game both on and off the field.

Mark first gained recognition in 1977 as part of the Australian Rugby Schoolboys team that toured the UK, Holland, France, and Japan. Between 1980 and 1984, he played 25 Tests for the Wallabies, captaining the side during the 1982/83 season. In the historic 1984 Grand Slam Tour of Britain, Mark achieved a remarkable feat by scoring a try in every one of the four Test matches—a record that remains iconic in rugby history.

At the club level, Mark played in six premierships with Randwick Rugby Club and was a key figure in the Australian Sevens team between 1979 and 1984, winning three championships. He later coached the team to a bronze medal at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur.

Mark’s outstanding career has been widely recognised:

• 1982 Young Australian of the Year

• Member of the Order of Australia (AM) (1983)

• Inducted into the Australian Sports Hall of Fame

• Inaugural International Rugby Hall of Fame XV

Beyond rugby, Mark has made significant contributions to sport and community initiatives. In 1988, he chaired the Aboriginal Cricket Association, managing a commemorative tour of England marking the first-ever overseas tour by an Australian sporting team. He has since built a successful business career, leading a communications company working with brands like Bundaberg Rum, and serves as an ambassador for StreetWork, helping at-risk youth overcome challenges including crime, family breakdown, and substance abuse.

In recognition of his rugby legacy, the prestigious trophy formerly known as the Cook Cup was renamed in his honour, cementing Mark Ella’s place as one of Australia’s most influential sporting figures.